Resident Raises Alarm Over E-Bike Dangers
Steven McGeorge, who runs the Great Park Residents group on Facebook, said: "We have raised concerns about the e-bikes and other motorbikes, and the problems they cause for people living in this area. There was a recent crash which led to someone being injured, and there are many other examples around the region."
McGeorge added: "We have been encouraged by Operation Capio which the police have informed us about, but feel it would be beneficial to have a larger physical police presence in the area to stop these incidents before they happen. We are getting cameras from what I know which I do think could help, so that is an important step too."
Police Operation Targets Anti-Social Riding
Operation Capio is the police force's dedicated taskforce, which seizes and crushes bikes reported for anti-social motorbike use. Techniques such as drones, helicopters, and DNA marking spray are being used to help officers pursue the vehicles and take them off the streets.
Chief Inspector Phil Baker, who leads Northumbria Police’s Operation Capio, said: "The increasing use of electric motorbikes and scooters is an emerging issue, and unfortunately is something which is seen up and down the country."
Serious Collisions and Fatalities
Several collisions have taken place in recent weeks and months involving e-bikes and other motorcycles, with some causing serious injuries and, in some cases, leading to a fatality. This means that it is all the more important to raise awareness of the issue and attempt to stop it at the source.
Police Urge Public to Report Concerns
Chief Inspector Baker continued: "We carry out a range of activity year-round with our partners to take action against those who are using these vehicles illegally, including anyone riding in an anti-social manner or linked to other criminality."
"For example, dedicated operations are regularly carried out by our specialist Operation Dragoon and Roads Policing teams and Motorcycle Unit – with many officers having the necessary skills to pursue where it’s deemed safe to do so."
"We also have a taskforce called Operation Capio operating in South Tyneside and Sunderland focused solely on anti-social motorbike use – and they report riders on a weekly basis, with vehicles seized and crushed."
"Where it may not be appropriate to pursue vehicles directly, we can deploy other tactics such as through our specially trained drone pilots and the National Police Air Service, or by using DNA marking spray."
"That way we can track riders and capture footage at a safe distance, in a bid to understand where offending bikes are being stored. Please know that this is a priority area for us, and we’d urge the public to work with us to enhance our intelligence picture around vehicles and riders causing issues in the community."
"We would also urge parents and carers to research the law before buying these vehicles for their children, many of which can only be used on private land. Anyone with concerns is encouraged to report them at the earliest opportunity through our social media channels, live chat or report forms on our website."
Those unable to make contact in these ways can call 101. In an emergency, or where a crime is taking place, always dial 999. Footage of driving offences can also be shared through the Force’s dashcam portal online.
